Royals suffered a shock defeat away to Blue Square Premier side Kettering Town thanks to a second-half double-strike by Jean-Paul Marna.

The relatively unknown striker condemned Brendan Rodgers to his first defeat as Reading manager with a superbly struck 89th minute volley.

Welsh international Simon Church was the only scorer for Reading in a first-team captained for the second game in a row by 20-year-old centre-back Alex Pearce.

Lone striker Church nipped in front of Poppies’ exotically named centre-back Exodus Geohaghon in the 10th minute to turn in Jimmy Kebe’s cross from four yards out.

Gareth Seddon nearly equalised for Town 10 minutes later but Adam Federici kept an eye on his 20-yard drive to his left post, ushering it to safety.

Surprisingly last years’ player-of-the-season Chris Armstrong and Cameroonian defender Andre Bikey both travelled with reserve team coach Nigel Gibbs in another friendly away at Tooting and Mitcham.

Jimmy Kebe looked sharp on the left wing and his quick feet often got the better of Nicky Eaden at right-back and Czech midfielder Marek Matejovsky also showed some class touches in central midfield.

Manager Brendan Rodgers made five changes in the second-half, bringing wantaway winger Stephen Hunt on for debutant Ryan Bertrand at left-back after he signed on a season-long loan from Chelsea on Friday.

James Henry was forced to limp off in the 62nd minute after picking up a slight ankle injury and moments later goalkeeper Ben Hamer was judged to have brought down pacey striker Jean-Paul Marna inside the box.

Marna stepped up to smash the resulting penalty kick past the talented keeper, much to the delight of the home fans on the terraces.

Republic of Ireland international Hunt almost turned from villain to hero for the Reading fans after his 25-yard free-kick in the 75th minute was fumbled by goalkeeper Lee Harper.

Jem Karacan was quickest to react, but was blocked again by Poppies’ number one who dealt well with the Championship opposition.

Church, 20, impressed for Royals and looks likely to battle Shane Long all the way to become the 36-year-old managers’ top striker this season after recently getting rave reviews for his country as well.

Marna shocked 21-year-old keeper Hamer when he smashed in his second and Poppies’ winner just moments from the final whistle.

The hundred or so travelling fans would have expected to see more of a cricket score at the A-Line Insurance Arena and will now be looking forward to Graeme Murty's testimonial on Monday night.